Maxilla Bone Anatomy
Mandible Bone Anatomy
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The Mandible (L., mandere – to chew) is the facial bone that forms the lower jaw and contains the lower teeth.
- It consists of right and left halves that fuse together early in life. The anterior portion of the mandible, called the body, is horseshoe-shaped and runs horizontally.
- At the posterior ends of the body are two vertical or perpendicular extensions called rami (singular; ramus).
Markings of the Mandible Bone:
[Lateral view]:
- Ramus – the posterior vertical portion of mandible.
- Body – the horseshoe-shaped, anterior portion of mandible.
- Angle – the region of mandible where the ramus and body join.
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- Condylar (condyloid) process – the posterior extension of the mandibular ramus, consisting of a narrow neck and a rounded head.
- Mandibular condyle – rounded head of the condylar process; articulates with the mandibular fossa of the temporal bone at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
- Coronoid process – sharply angled anterior extension from the mandibular ramus; attachment point for the temporalis muscle.
- Mandibular notch – prominent down-ward curvature between the condylar and coronoid processes.
- Mandibular foramen – opening on the medial surface of the ramus; passageway for the inferior alveolar nerve and artery, which supply the lower teeth.
- Mylohyoid ridge (line) – ridge along medial surface of body and lower ramus; attachment point for the mylohyoid muscle.
- Alveolar process (margin, ridge, border) – superior aspect of the body that contains the sockets (alveoli) for the lower teeth.
- Mental foramen – hole on the anterior aspect of mandible below the second premolar; passageway for the mental nerves and vessels, which exit and supply the chin and low lip.
[Anterior view view]:
- Alveolar process (margin, ridge, border) – inferior extension that contains sockets (alveoli) for lower teeth.
- Mental protuberance – raised, triangular-shaped eminence on the lower anterior surface.
- Mental tubercle – raised bases of the mental protuberance.
- Mental foramen – hole on the anterior aspect of the bone below the second premolar; passageway for the mental nerve and vessels.
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Anterior view: [ Show / Hide ]
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